Lib Dems advocate legal system reform to reassure public

The right to jury trial, a review of the solicitors' complaints system, a voice for victims of crime and a justice ministry are key to the Liberal Democrats' legal policy, last week's party conference was told.Shadow home secretary Simon Hughes told a Law Society fringe meeting that these measures are essential to maintain the public's confidence in the legal system.On complaints, Mr Hughes said: 'People must feel that their legal representatives are doing the job properly.

The current complaints system doesn't give the public confidence and must be looked at again.' Law Society President David McIntosh responded: 'In the past few months we have addressed the need for improvement and taken steps.

Firstly, we have resolved to appoint an independent complaints commissioner and secondly we have formed an immediate response team to speed up the redress system.'